Fab Mama | Starting off a fabulous 2010

By

1/4/10 5:43 PM

Selling out with luxury

It's the beginning of the year, which
means you've probably made a few resolutions. If your goal for 2010
is to keep your house a little cleaner and clutter-free, get rid of
your under-used luxury goods with the help of Luxe Life Auctions,
744 N. Clark St., Chicago. Run by a management team of Chicago
moms, the stylish drop-off auction house appraises and sells items
ranging from couture bags to antiques for a minimal fee.

After visiting other drop-off places, Luxe Life's president,
Lisa Ackerman, noticed the poor quality and low selling points and
decided to offer a chic, modern outlet to resell luxury brands. If
anonymity is a concern, you're covered, Luxe Life auctions never
reveal sellers. Luxe Life's minimum commission is $15.99, and they
won't sell anything under $50. Standard commission for items that
sell for $1,000 is 35 percent. If your item doesn't sell the first
time, Luxe Life will re-list your goods a second round for
free.

"Competitive businesses want 50 percent, so I think that people
who are used to going to regular consignment stores don't realize
there are other opportunities out there," says Ackerman. "When you
put your items online on Ebay, you open your items up to the whole
world."

You're one stylish mama who knows how
to make her mark. Share your classic ways through the power of the
pen and fabulous note cards from Kamal-Art on Paper, www.onkamal.com.
Whether you're sending a thank you note, get well wishes or a
catch-up note, the company's chic stationary shines with vivid
colors on eco-friendly materials. The simple images, including the
peacock multicolored and sky textile, are letter pressed with
hand-mixed inks on cotton paper. Cards retail from $5 for single
cards to $24 for a six pack.

Peacefully green in the new year

Begin your year harmoniously with organic and recycled wearable
goods from green 3, www.green3apparel.com, a Wisconsin-based,
family-owned company. The line's signature collection features
organic tees, pants and onesies featuring a "Peaceful" logo, which
is the perfect outlook for your new year.

The line's eco-friendly focus spans throughout the collection
with scarves made from recycled tees ($25), pillows and throws made
with recycled materials ($55, $70) and re-engineered tote bags made
from suit pants ($65). The line's signature items range from $32
for short sleeves to $50 for pants.

For more information or to order, call (920) 235-1288 or visit
the Web
site.

Marché français, c'est magnifique

You don't have to travel across the pond to find a European
indoor market when you can visit the Chicago French Market in the
West Loop.

The newly opened year-round market offers a wide variety of
organic produce, small-batch goods and the perfect snacks from
local artesians, farmers and purveyors in the MetraMarket at the
Ogilvie Transportation Center, 131 N. Clinton St., Chicago.

With 25 vendors and room to grow, the market offers a wonderful
place to grab a bite to eat, wine for an upcoming meal or the
perfect gift. For foodies who are into the 100 percent organic raw
vegan food, a visit to RAW might hit the spot. If sweets are more
appealing, stop by Canady Le Chocolatier (pictured) for artisan
chocolate bon bons, truffles and ganache.